Honolulu, HI: Democrat Gov. David Ige has signed legislation into law expanding the state's medical cannabis program.

House Bill 1488 expands the pool of patients eligible for cannabis therapy to include those with epilepsy, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. The measure also explicitly permits patients to legally transport cannabis to a certified lab for testing.

The new law takes effect on June 29, 2017.

Governor Ige previously signed legislation in 2016 and in 2015 expanding the state's medical cannabis program, which was initially enacted in 2000. The state's first licensed dispensaries are anticipated to be operational later this summer.

For more information, contact Justin Strekal, NORML Political Director, at (202) 483-5500.